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hinterland politics
campaign trail:
sukhdev singh dhindsa |
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Parties’ vote bait: Tweaked manifestos
campaign trail:
virbhadra singh
Cong trying to hide in bunker of secularism: Modi
Modi: Rahul funnier than comedian Kapil
Priyanka: BJP scrambling like panic-stricken rats
BJP frustrated over Priyanka's campaign: Cong
BJP knows where black money is hidden: Cong
EC bans Ramdev rallies
Jairam wants Cong to be part of Third Front government
In parched Bundelkhand, big players see UP’s new state
campaign trail:
jayaprakash narayan
Modi, Rahul corrupt, need to be defeated: Sisodia
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Damdami Taksal active in polarised scenario
Ruchika M Khanna Tribune News Service
Chowk Mehta, April 27
Once a hotbed of revolutionary ideology under its leaders Kartar Singh Khalsa and Jarnail Singh Bhinderanwale, the town is unusually away from the election din. It is because the entire Majha politics in the run-up to the General Election is steering towards the unhappy events of Operation Bluestar and votes in this constituency and neighbouring Amritsar are being polarised on religious lines. This town dominated the Sikh politics in the turbulent 70s and 80s. Inside the gurdwara complex, The Tribune team had a brief audience with the present head, Harnam Singh, who says, "The Taksal decided to support the Akalis as we saw them as being the true political representatives of the 'panth'. We are not supporting the BJP as both the Congress and the BJP had opposed the construction of the Operation Bluestar Memorial at the Golden Temple Complex in Amritsar." With time, Damdami Taksal also has moved on. Avtar Singh, an ardent follower of Harnam Singh, says just as the Taksal was once again getting active in politics (it had remained apolitical from 1984 to 2004 under its then head Baba Thakur Singh and first supported Akali Dal in the 2011 SGPC election), it was also looking at including women for courses in religious teachings, getting its courses recognised from a reputed university and teaching the "global English" language to its 300-odd disciples. Away from the political heat
Blame it on the April heat or the disillusionment of residents with politics, this town of Chowk Mehta seems to be safely ensconced from the political heat being generated across the Majha region. A group of old men sit together on a wooden "diwan", in the shade of a tree sipping tea supplied by a vendor nearby. To know which way the votes would sway here-in favour of Akali candidate Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, Congress candidate Harminder Singh Gill or Aam Aadmi Party's Bhai Baldeep Singh, The Tribune initiates a discussion with this motley group. These people, including Balbir Singh of Nangli village near here and Balwant Singh of Uddo Nangal, launch their verbal attack on local politicians of the ruling party for the alleged poor law and order situation here. "Snatchings are the order of day," they rue, adding political parties have failed to initiate any development work. A quick glance around the place, with pot-holed roads and rundown buildings proves they are right on lack of development. "But we are glad that there is now an alternative (referring to AAP). And the other two parties fear this new party. That is why when the AAP candidate opened his party office here, supporters of the other parties barged into the premises rented by a local to AAP, ransacked the place and forced him to ask the AAP candidate to find another place," alleges Dalbir Singh of Dharmuchak village, pointing to the building where the AAP office stood two days ago. They are not happy with the diktat issued by the Taksal on supporting the Akalis and want the town to shun its radical past, which would be possible only if
politics and religion are kept separate. Khadoor Sahib is the only constituency which is spread across the three regions of Majha, Doaba and Malwa. As one moves in the Doaba part of the constituency, the topography and poll issues also change. It is here that people talk of unemployment, lack of industrialisation leading to poor economic growth and drug addiction fuelled by political patronage to the illicit drug trade. Daljit Singh of Pandori Jagir village in the Sultanpur Lodhi block, who is a first-time voter, says while all contestants in the fray talk of unemployment and drugs, none of them has defined a strategy to deal with the problems. "But at least these issues affecting the common man are now at the centre-stage," he says. Aware women to
vote for change
In Paharipur village near Kapurthala, women are waiting for the LPG cylinder delivery truck. They have been waiting for almost three hours and the topic of discussion revolves around inflation. A young woman, Sonia, finally gets talking on the election and expresses dismay that no political party talks of issues affecting women such as inflation, special ITIs for women, vocational training centres or even starting 'silai' schools. "Gone are the days when the women would vote for a candidate recommended by the male members in their family. We are now aware of latest political developments. Politicians are thus ignoring our issues," she says. Chuckling at her husband's stunned expression and wishing more power to the rural women here, The Tribune team starts its journey back - from the high decibel political activity here to the quiet of Chandigarh, which has already had its date with the polls.
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sukhdev singh dhindsa SAD’s old warhorse banks on state govt’s performance Amarjit Thind Tribune News Service
Sangrur, April 27 Unlike other candidates, he prefers to stick to the old school of 'panthic' politics where it is mandatory for those who have come to meet him to have "langar". He defers his schedule every morning to interact with people who have come to meet him. As The Tribune team contacts him at a meeting around 8 am, he is honouring some AAP supporters from Moonak and Khanauri who have decided to support him. He patiently listens to their reasons for deserting AAP. After a quick breakfast with his team, he steps out for the day and his first call is on his supporter HS Jawandha, who fractured his arm recently. After enquiring about his well-being, he politely declines tea citing the pressures of campaigning. As his convoy makes its way to the first meeting at Ladda village, he says: "I never fume and fret and take every day as it comes. I believe that the party is above all and never list what I have done," he reveals. He never relies on notes while delivering his speeches as is evident at his 20-odd meetings during the day. Everything goes on in clockwork precision. "I am partial to sportsmen and leave no occasion to plead their cause. I have raised their issues on the floor of the House. A comprehensive sports policy is in place and we are seeing its success. Similarly, our scholarship scheme for poor students is a great success as is our Bhagat Puran Singh scheme for the needy along with the aid for cancer patients," he adds. Presently a Rajya Sabha MP and chief of the Punjab Olympics Association, he says the SAD-BJP government was voted to power for the second time on the basis of development. "I have advised Finance Minister Parminder Dhindsa (his son) on certain issues that need to be tackled," he adds. As he addresses meetings at Punnawal, Dhuri, Bhojowali and Kandagarh Channan, women and youngsters swarm to greet him. The atmosphere is like a patriarch coming home to his family though it is harvesting time and the audience sometimes is largely the labour class. He credits his success to the policies of his party and the cooperation of his family that stands behind him like a rock. The jovial and witty side of his nature is revealed when he says: "My wife Harjit Kaur is more dynamic than me." The strain of the prolonged electioneering bears light on his shoulders as he munches on roasted gram during longer intervals between meetings. His remedy for sore throat is ground mulathi (licorice), he shares. At meetings, he abstains from making any personal attacks on his opponents though he says that Bhagwant Mann was till the other day "singing paeans to Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal at political rallies". "Entertaining and serving people selflessly are completely different spheres and no one can be both at the same time," he says. After dinner at Dhuri around 10 pm, he heads back home only to meet his core team with the status reports of the day. After giving directions for the next day, he sits with close confidants.
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Parties’ vote bait: Tweaked manifestos
Chandigarh, April 27 Responding to changes in the world market scenario, the Congress wants the FDI even in multi-brand retail sector, while the BJP and its alliance partner in Punjab, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), have ruled out including the multi-brand retail in the chart. But, both the parties agree on allowing the FDI in infrastructure and certain defence industries for job and asset creation. Congress keeps Third Front at bay, for now
Going by the past experience of allying with small parties after the 2009 elections, the party, this time, has not incorporated its political intentions on the Third Front in its latest manifesto. The last paper had said: "These parties neither have consistency nor clarity. They neither have competence nor commitment. This Front, grounded in the politics of convenience, is nothing but a platform for personal ambitions." For 2014-19, 15 pages of the party's 27-page manifesto have been dedicated to the detailed action plan. The Congress agenda reads: "We received tens of thousands of suggestions through consultations on the websites and social-media platforms, phones, emails, etc." through this, the party hopes to incorporate new party commitments, particularly rights to health, pension, homestead, social security, humane working and entrepreneurship. The manifesto, almost the repeat of 2009, underlines inclusive growth, agriculture, education and health. Like last time, it underlines "Women's Reservation Bill", securing 33 per cent seats in Parliament. BJP downplays Ram, focuses on growth
This time, the BJP has stood by its decision of drafting a uniform civil code, abrogation of Article 370 (Jammu and Kashmir), law to protect cow and its progeny, a perfect mechanism to protect the 'Waqf'(eviction of unauthorised occupants) and simultaneous Assembly and Lok Sabha polls. The party agenda, this year, has underlined setting up of a logistics network for faster movement of goods, national rural internet and technology mission for use of tele-medicine and mobile healthcare in rural areas, madrasa modernisation scheme, better market links for traditional artisanship, a permanent inter-faith consultative mechanism under religious leaders, Rurban (a programme to bring urban amenities to rural areas while retaining the soul of the village), a web-based disability registration system with a universal ID, higher tax relief for family member taking care of the disabled, acid attack victims' welfare fund, and National Health Assurance Mission. The party has promised a low-cost housing programme to give every family a proper home within a decade. SAD maintains its regional identity
While the BJP stand showing a hardlined position vis-ŕ-vis Pakistan was visible in the repeated verbal assaults by Narendra Modi, the SAD agenda shows party commitment to opening up Ferozepur and Fazilka posts for trade between India and Pakistan. While the party had, in 2009, resolved to set up special courts to try those involved in the 1984 riots, this time the party has talked about setting up a commission under a Supreme Court judge to inquire into and expose those who hatched the conspiracy. The manifesto also talks about reopening cases that have been closed and presenting chalaans in fast-track courts. Hardening its stand on the issue of powers to the state, the SAD has shown its commitment to setting up a federal structure. In 2009, the party had talked about decentralisation of the planning process and the development schemes to make the country a "true global leader". On distribution of "atta dal" on subsidised rates, the party's agenda of 2009 had said: "If a SAD-alliance government is formed at the Centre, they will ensure that every poor family gets 35-kg wheat every month at Rs 2 per kg." Showing its achievement, the party agenda this time reads: "Punjab is now giving wheat at Re 1 and dal at Rs 20 per kg."
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virbhadra singh Cong’s sole star campaigner in HP Pratibha Chauhan Tribune News Service
Theog (Shimla), April 27 The 79-year-old six-time Chief Minister "Raja Sahib", as he is referred to, is up at 5 am. At his residence Holly Lodge, situated on Jahku Hill, he is ready by 8 am. He is wearing a black pin stripe suit and his trademark green Kinnauri cap. After going through newspapers, he takes feedback from party leaders while having breakfast. He leaves home at 9.30 in his Toyota Innova for an election meeting at Theog. He is welcomed and taken to the meeting venue at Alooo Ground in Theog as slogans of "Raja nahin fakir hai, Himachal ki taqdir hai" rent the air. He is flanked by his ministerial colleague and local MLA Vidya Stokes and Shimla Lok Sabha candidate Mohan Lal Brakta on the dais. Despite time constraint as he has to address six more meetings, organisers are keen to present a 'pahari' song by Indian Idol fame Krtika Tanwar - "Asaa re Raja Sahib, jug-jug jiye asa re Raja Sahib." In his speech laced with historical anecdotes considering his 52-year political career, he makes it clear that he does not believe in mudslinging and personalised attack on his political opponents. "In case they give me a punch, I will react by giving them two as I am not willing to take such attacks lying low," he says adopting an aggressive posture. After addressing another meeting at Gumma, it is time for lunch at the Kotkhai rest house. "I always eat whatever people offer with love," he says. Meanwhile, he is greeted by a young boy who introduces himself as former captain of Bishop Cotton School, Virbhadra's alma mater. "It's no mean task to become a school captain unless you are a rounded personality and outstanding in all fields," he appreciates as another Cottonian, Rohit Thakur, MLA from Jubbal-Kotkhai nods in affirmation. He proceeds for the next meeting at Kotkhai after the hurried lunch. "Even if I am dead tired, I never sleep before midnight as I like watching TV serials, my favourite being Maharana Pratap, a historical saga, which I never miss," he says while travelling. Virbhadra says he does not like watching news in the night, especially these days as all one sees is an overdose of Narendra Modi. Even after addressing the last meeting past 9 pm, he appears inexhaustible and could carry on through the night. "Being amongst people is what keeps me going. There is no question of feeling exhausted as campaigning is easier now than in the 1957 elections when we used to walk long distances," he says. Knowing people by their names in every nook and corner of the state, be it Tissa in Chamba or Shillai in Sirmour, is his remarkable quality. Like the last Assembly elections, he is practically pulling off the entire Congress campaign, notwithstanding his age or the attacks he faces not just from the BJP, but his own party men also. He has already covered all 68 Assembly segments more than once and has a hectic schedule ahead.
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Cong trying to hide in bunker of secularism: Modi
Ahmedabad, April 27 Reacting sharply to Congress president Sonia Gandhi's accusation that his election campaign was a "dangerous combination of religious fanaticism, power and money", Modi said, "Faced with certain defeat and fighting for its survival, it (the Congress) is once again trying to hide in the bunker of secularism. Its last hope is to somehow cross the 100-seat mark, which now appears an uphill task for it." Responding to Sonia's dig that he was promising to make India a paradise, he said, "I have never claimed that I will make India a paradise and that I have solution to all problems. I am sure even people do not expect this from me," he told a news agency in an interview. People of India were not looking forward to miracles but "they certainly deserve a stable, decisive and sensitive government", he said. Asked about recent attacks on him by Priyanka Gandhi, who had accused him of humiliating her family and husband Robert Vadra, the BJP leader said, "It is natural that a daughter would like to defend her mother. A sister would like to defend her brother. I do not have any problems with that." Answering a question on how allegations against Vadra would be dealt with in the event of his coming to power, he said he did not believe in politics of vendetta and witch-hunting of which he had been a "victim" for the past 10 years. At the same time, nobody was above law and if somebody had done something wrong, the law must take its own course. He sharply attacked recent moves by the Congress for an OBC quota for backward Muslims and said that was nothing but a "last ditch effort" to indulge in "vote bank politics and politics of appeasement". Asked if there was a Modi wave or an anti-Congress wave, or both, he said, "I think it is both. There is a very strong anti-Congress wave together with an equally strong wave for the BJP and its NDA partners." Asked if he would like to assure Muslims that they should feel safe and secure and that they would not be discriminated against by a government led by him, he said, "We are committed to the safety, security and development of 125 crore Indians, including all Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians etc." — PTI Tackling corruption
I have a clear time-bound action plan in mind and we will ensure that when the country goes to polls for the 17th Lok
Sabha, there will be no place for the corrupt and criminal elements. Priyanka's tirade
It is natural that a daughter would like to defend her mother. A sister would like to defend her brother. I do not have any problems with
that. Safety of Muslims
We are committed to the safety, security and development of 125 crore Indians, including all Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians etc. Our motto is
'sabka saath sabka vikas' (everybody's support, everybody's
development).
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Modi: Rahul funnier than comedian Kapil
Jhansi, April 27 “I feel the TV serial of comedian Kapil Sharma will close in a few days. His (Rahul) videos can be shown by TV people and all the exertion of the elections will go away. You will not have to go anywhere for entertainment,” Modi said at an election rally here. He said, “Rahul at his rally in Gujarat had said there were 27,000 crore posts vacant in the state, but he failed to realise that India’s population is only about 125 crore.” On Rahul’s statement regarding Lokayukta, he said “it was Gujarat’s Lokayukta, who held a former Congress Chief Minister guilty of corruption and now his son was minister at the Centre.” Rahul had yesterday said Modi would have been in jail had Lokayukta and RTI Commissioners been in place in Gujarat. — PTI
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Priyanka: BJP scrambling like panic-stricken rats
Rae Bareli/New Delhi, April 27 In her shrillest attack yet on the BJP after it released a eight-minute video documentary on her husband Robert Vadra’s alleged land deals, Priyanka said she is not going to be intimidated by such ‘lies’ and will continue to speak against its ‘destructive’ politics. The BJP reacted by accusing the Congress of taking democratic discourse to a new low with its ‘abusive’ politics. “They are running around like panic-stricken rats. I knew that they will repeat their bunch of lies. There is nothing new in it but let them say whatever they want to. I am not afraid of anyone and will continue to speak against their negative, destructive and shameful politics,” Priyanka told reporters in Rae Bareli after addressing a rally. “I will not remain quite and I am waiting for them to say more,” she said. Priyanka was asked about a video and a booklet brought out by the BJP on the alleged land deals of her husband which it termed as ‘Robert Vadra model of development’. The BJP has alleged that the ‘Vadra model’ has become successful due to the patronage provided by the Gandhi family to Vadra. BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said, “There was a gross violation of laws relating to land and environment. The influence of the family helped make Vadra big earnings in the deals,” he said in Delhi. The six-page booklet titled ‘Damad Shree’ refers to various deals of Vadra in Rajasthan and Haryana. Reacting to Priyanka’s remarks, BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said, “Calling the BJP rats is abusive politics. They have taken democratic discourse to such a low and they have now distorted democracy and hurt democracy.” — PTI
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BJP frustrated over Priyanka's campaign: Cong New Delhi, April 27 Reacting to the BJP's release of a film on Vadra, Congress general secretary in charge of communications Ajay Maken said, "The BJP is panicking due to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's campaign in Rae Bareli and Amethi. They are levelling old, baseless allegations regurgitated at election time as a cheap political stunt. It is an act of desperation as these allegations have been raised in the high court and the Supreme Court have thrown out." Congress spokesperson and Haryana Industry Minister Randeep Surjewala said the allegations against Vadra were "completely false and defamatory". The Congress added the BJP was also frustrated due to negative reports of polling successively from UP, Bihar and other states.
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BJP knows where black money is hidden: Cong
Ahmedabad, April 27 "Modi's media campaign is remarkable. As per my knowledge, Rs 10,000 crore were spent just on media, such as full-page advertisements in major newspapers and campaigns on more than 500 TV channels," he said. "BJP leaders claim they will bring black money back. I agree with them, as they are the ones who know where that money is hidden. They also know how that money can be used," Sharma said at a press conference here. Criticising the Gujarat model of development, he said: "In education, Gujarat stands 17th, in curbing malnutrition, it is last. It has the highest school drop-out ratio in India. With a debt of Rs 1,70,000 crore, it is the third most-indebted state in India. This is the reality of Gujarat model." Sharma also accused Modi of spreading lies about the UPA government's performance. "From Rs 24,000 in 2004, India's per capita income now stands at Rs 69,000. From mere $ 500 billion, India's GDP stands at $ 2 trillion now. Our exports rose from $ 60 billion in 2004 to $ 300 billion in 2014. FDI multiplied 15 times in the past 10 years under the UPA government," the Union Minister added. — PTI
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Apprehensions among Muslims will go: Shah
Varanasi, April 27 Shah, known as Modi’s Man Friday, rejected criticism that the Gujarat Chief Minister had overshadowed the party and said Modi and the party were “inseparable”. Asserting that nobody should “feel scared”, as projected by the Congress and other parties, if Modi became the Prime Minister, Shah, BJP’s in charge of Uttar Pradesh, said, “If Modi becomes the Prime Minister, there will be a solution to these apprehensions based on his governance. It will not go away before that. These apprehensions have taken root following long-term perception created by the media.” “When Modi becomes the Prime Minister, solution to such fears will come through him and his government’s behaviour. I am pretty clear that nobody should feel scared. The fear will go away as time goes by,” he said. Shah said a significant number of Muslims welcomed Modi “whole-heartedly” during his rally in Varanasi besides others. The party was indebted to the people of the holy city for that, he said. Responding to a question on “Modi wave”, he said, “The wave is for both the BJP and Modi. Modi wave and the BJP wave are media’s creation. You cannot separate Modi and the BJP. How can you separate them? He is the BJP’s nominee for the PM’s post. The BJP has nominated him to lead the election.”—PTI
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Lucknow, April 27 "All the programmes of Ramdev have been banned in Lucknow. The district administration had earlier taken an affidavit from Ramdev that only yoga programmes will be held by his organisation and no remarks will be made which could hurt any religion or community," a senior official told PTI. However, Ramdev has made remarks which have led to protests due to which all his programmes in the city have been banned till May 16, he added. Ramdev, who is supporting the BJP, had on April 25 said, "Rahul Gandhi goes to houses of Dalits for honeymoon and picnic." Congress today stepped up attack on the yoga guru demanding his arrest. "He has insulted the Dalit community...there are certain crimes which cannot be pardoned," party leader Rashid Alvi told reporters in Delhi. Congress spokesperson Neem Afzal said he should be arrested and cases should be slapped against him under the SC and ST Act. In the backdrop of the controversy, the Election Commission has come out with fresh guidelines barring people from making "malicious" statements about the private life of individuals and said those violating the directive would not be allowed to hold programmes during polls. The EC also cautioned people against invoking religion as it may create disharmony. Congress had yesterday termed as "shameful and despicable" Ramdev's controversial remarks and had sought an unconditional apology from him as well as BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, alleging the yoga guru is part of his coterie. The Left parties and BSP too had demanded legal action against Ramdev. — PTI
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Jairam wants Cong to be part of Third Front government
Hyderabad, April 27 “That’s what we did in 1996 (extending outside support to the United Front government). But as of now, I can’t say....depends on the relative numbers,” he said in an interview to PTI here. “The ideal situation should be no outside support,” Ramesh said. “I believe if you support a government, you must support from within. These are my personal views....to ensure political stability, any alliance must have all its partners in governance," he said. In UPA-I, Ramesh said, CPM and CPI which extended outside support to the Government “made the life miserable for us”. Quoting senior CPM leader Sitaram Yechury's reported statement at the time that the Left parties “bark but don’t bite”, Ramesh said, "But sometimes barking is also bad...constantly being barked at. The CPM and CPI didn’t bite but they bit at the end... they withdrew support on the nuclear deal.” Earlier, Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan had said last week that the Congress could form the next government by joining hands with the Third Front. — PTI
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Trinamool doesn’t believe in divisive politics: Didi
Salkia (Howrah), April 27 "We do not believe in divisive politics like the BJP. The BJP always tries to drive a wedge between the Hindus and the Muslims," Banerjee said at an election rally here. "We do not say that the Hindus do not like the Muslims and vice versa. This is a conspiracy which is being hatched," she said. Without taking anyone's name, the West Bengal Chief Minister said: "A leader of big stature who aspires to run the country from Delhi is distanced from his wife. His wife is scared to talk to him." "If that person cannot run his own family properly, then how is he capable to run the nation?" she quipped. Terming the CBI as the "Congress Bureau of Investigation", she said: "It has failed to probe cases ranging from Nobel theft to Tapasi Malik rape and murder in Singur to the Gynaeswari Express conspiracy. I used to hold the CBI in great respect. But not any more," Banerjee said. She said that the Congress, BJP and CPI-M were on the same branch of the tree. On the development of Howrah, she said the Left Front had not done anything in the past 34 years in this regard and claimed that her government had earmarked Rs 100 crore for the development of the area. "But work cannot be started now because of the elections," she said. — PTI
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Rajnath holds road show in Lucknow
Lucknow, April 27 During his road show, Rajnath, was accompanied by Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh, local MP Lalji Tandon and other senior leaders. He said "Modi wave" has turned into a 'Tusnami'. The BJP president said while Modi would handle the responsibility of the development of the country, it would be his duty to change the face of Lucknow in next five years. During the day-long mass contact programme, Rajnath's procession passed through more than 50 areas in the state capital. Former BJP national president Nitin Gadkari and Bhojpuri actor Manoj Tiwari also participated in the road show. The 'rath', which carried pictures of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, LK Advani, Narendra Modi and Rajnath, was followed by a large number of slogan-shouting supporters on vehicles. At Gomti Nagar, the BJP leaders were welcomed by students and acharyas of Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth. Here, acharya Shishir Pandey and Vinod Singh gave blessings to Rajnath amid chanting of shlokas. During the eight-hour-long mass contact campaign, Rajnath was welcomed at a number of places. As per the schedule, Rajnath would continue with his mass contact programme tomorrow and is likely to be accompanied by MP CM Shivraj Singh Chauhan. The election in the Lucknow Lok Sabha constituency is scheduled for April 30. — PTI
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In parched Bundelkhand, big players see UP’s new state
Jhansi, April 27 Senior BJP leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Uma Bharti is attempting to usurp the cherished legacy of the Rani of Jhansi, the warrior-queen who died fighting the Britishers in 1857. BJP regional media spokesperson Chander Bhai Rai explains the connection. "Rani Lakshmi Bai was born in Kashi and ruled in Jhansi, hence there is a deep connection between Kashi and Jhansi." Bharti has already promised the creation of an independent Bundelkhand within three years of the BJP government at the Centre. Similarly, BSP candidate Anuradha Sharma's hoardings read: "Ek vote Bundelkhand ke naam". It was under the BSP rule that the then Chief Minister Mayawati had passed a resolution in the Vidhan Sabha for the division of Uttar Pradesh into four parts, including Bundelkhand. Sitting Congress MP and Union Minister of State for Rural Development Pradeep Jain 'Aditya' also assures an independent Bundelkhand during his speeches. Addressing a rally in support of 'Aditya' in Lalitpur, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi admitted that his party was in favour of smaller states. However, despite the major political parties speaking of a separate Bundelkhand as a remedy for the region's backwardness, it is hardly part of the discourse of the man on the street. "Modi aa raha hai. Aur kaachu nahin jaanta (I know nothing except Modi being elected to power)," said Gabbar Rajput sitting at a dhaba at Chirgaon, the birthplace of Hindi writer Maithli Sharan Gupt. "There is no popular movement for the creation of Bundelkhand like there was for Telangana and Uttarakhand," admitted Praveen Jain, a local journalist. "Politicians know that Bundelkhand is an emotive issue that helps them derive political mileage during elections. This issue comes up during the election and is dumped as soon as it is over," said Bundelkhand Nirman Morcha president Bhanu Sahay. Sahay, also the chairman of the Bundelkhand Package Monitoring Committee, substantiated his point by asserting that despite all efforts, barely 58 per cent of the Rs 7,266 crore Bundelkhand package had been spent till date. "The package was announced on November 19, 2009 and had to be spent by March 31, 2012. But to date, 42 per cent remains unspent and the package has been converted into a 5-year programme." Jain said Union Minister 'Aditya' wrote letters to 40,000 beneficiaries of the minor irrigation projects hoping that the package had reached them and their wells had been deepened. "It was then that a few farmers informed him that they had received nothing. When the minister's office checked with the department of minor irrigation, it was revealed that even tenders for the work had not been floated," he said. "Nearly 2,000 farmers have died in Bundelkhand. There is money for development but no political will to implement it. Till farmers here are in a position to exert pressure, an independent Bundelkhand will only fetch votes and nothing else," Sahay added.
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jayaprakash narayan On a mission to change rules of the game Suresh Dharur Tribune News Service
Hyderabad, April 27 When he converted it into a political party in 2006, Narayan dared to tread a new path. Promising to cleanse the politics of corruption and immorality, he infused a new sense of purpose, integrity and honesty in the political discourse. "New politics for a new generation" was his motto. "In the present system, only the players are changing after every round of elections. Unless the rules of the game are changed, the politics will not improve," he said. When this correspondent caught up with him on his campaign trail in the city, he sounded optimistic, saying there was growing public belief that honest politics is possible. "We are not luring people with freebies, but I can see enthusiasm everywhere," said the 58-year-old battle-weary Narayan as he hops on to his vehicle for yet another day of gruelling schedule. Narayan, the lone MLA of his party representing Kukatpally, is in the race for the Malkajgiri Lok Sabha seat, the country's biggest parliamentary constituency with over 29 lakh voters covering the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad and the neighbouring Medak district. It has become the most sought-after Lok Sabha constituency in Telangana. The high-profile constituency is represented by Union Minister Sarve Satyanarayana, who is seeking re-election on a Congress ticket. Former Director General of Police V Dinesh Reddy is in the fray as the YSR Congress Party candidate. The Telugu Desam Party, which has an alliance with the BJP, has fielded Malla Reddy, who owns engineering colleges in the city. Professor K Nageshwar, journalist, political commentator and former MLC, is also in the fray as an Independent. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which finds no resonance with the voters in the city, has fielded Sudha Kiran, the grandson of former Prime Minister late PV Narasimha Rao. This is one constituency where the "Telangana sentiment" is absent. The concerns over safety, security, education and job opportunities for Seemandhra settlers are among the key campaign issues. With his simple and unassuming style, Narayan instantly connects with the youth and gets into conversations with them at the roadside hotels. Unlike conventional politicians, he does not move around in convoy of cars. He prefers to meet people in small groups and interact with them. "Dharma is with us. This election is a battle between dharma and dhana (money). I know we are winning and Malkajgiri is going to create an even bigger history now than Kukatpally did in 2009. People will see the change they seek," the former bureaucrat says. "I have chosen Malkajgiri because the rest of Andhra Pradesh is still not ready for new politics. In Malkajgiri, 80 per cent voters are young and educated and will not be swayed by the money power, caste or religion," Narayan says. Before floating his own party, Narayan had served as a member of the National Advisory Council (NAC) for the implementation of the National Common Minimum Programme (CMP) from July 2004 to August 2006. He was also a member of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission constituted by the UPA government in September 2005. He has now turned an admirer of BJP's PM candidate Narendra Modi and has been campaigning for the saffron party candidates in the city. "Modi is the best choice for India. He has the vision, commitment and capacity to steer the country to prosperity," Narayan said. Despite his support for Modi, the TDP-BJP combine has fielded a candidate in Malkajgiri. Popular film star Pawan Kalyan had extended support to Narayan and promised to campaign for him in the constituency, but had to drop the idea, apparently following pressure from TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu. The Jana Sena had already pledged support for the TDP-BJP combine. On the bifurcation issue, Narayan's party had proposed the special category status for the backward Rayalaseema region and constitution of the autonomous regional council for the north coastal region with support from the Central government. "The Congress is on a self-destructive path. It has failed to get all stakeholders together. Telangana is a classic case of how not to manage a state's division. We are the only party in the state to come up with a solution to the three regions of Andhra Pradesh," he said. While mainstream parties resorted to competitive populism, promising freebies to voters, Lok Satta's campaign has been about fundamental issues of primary healthcare, education, poverty alleviation, decentralisation of power, democratic and governance reforms. "We are still beginners in politics and our time will come sooner or later," Narayan says.
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Modi, Rahul corrupt, need to be defeated: Sisodia
Amethi (UP), April 27 "Both Modi and Rahul are monsters of a corrupt team. Till the time they are in politics, corruption cannot be ended," Sisodia said at an election meeting here. Attacking Priyanka Gandhi, Sisodia said her allegation that AAP did not know Amethi was true. "It's true that we did not know Amethi as the Gandhi family had been looting it since Independence... It's true that common man could not know about this," he alleged. He alleged that though Rahul had been talking about respect for women, in his own constituency women were not getting their due. "Here, AAP representatives are attacked. Even women workers are being misbehaved by Congressmen," he said, adding that this time even Priyanka could not help Rahul win from this seat. — PTI
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The way Rahul Baba is making statements with a dash of comedy in them, I think the TV show of Kapil Sharma may soon have to shut shop. — Narendra Modi The PM weakens the UPA yet somehow we are to believe that his unknown brother will strengthen the BJP. Mind boggling logic at work here. — Omar Abdullah During #UPA's term, food prices have increased by a whopping 157%! — Rajeev Chandrasekhar Heard a slogan in Telengana " 1 CR +2 CR = KCR ". — Digvijaya Singh Why did Congress develop a mortal fear of Gujarat. The state had always been a game-changer for the country. Dandi. Sampoorna Kranti & now. — Shivraj Singh Chouhan
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Four poll officials sent to
jail for influencing voters Why no talk of Vajpayee's
niece joining Cong: PC TMC MP's speech
under EC scanner Maoist planning to disrupt elections held
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Chowk Mehta, April 27
SAD secretary general
Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa is locked in a triangular battle with incumbent Congress MP Vijay Inder Singla and
comedian Bhagwant Mann of AAP.
Theog (Shimla), April 27
Ahmedabad, April 27
In sharp escalation of their war of words, Priyanka Gandhi today said the BJP was scrambling like “panic-stricken rats” and mocked Narendra Modi asserting one does not need 56-inch chest to run the country while the rival party released a video targeting her husband.
Lucknow, April 27
Hyderabad, April 27
"Narendra Modi Kashi se, Uma Bharti Jhansi se" read huge hoardings adorning the walls of the city associated with an equally fiery ruler: Rani of Jhansi
Lakshmibai. Senior BJP leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Uma Bharti is attempting to usurp the cherished legacy of the Rani of
Jhansi, the warrior-queen who died fighting the Britishers in 1857. BJP regional media spokesperson Chander Bhai Rai explains the connection.
Thirty-five years ago, a young medical graduate, who stood second in the civil services examination in the country, joined the coveted IAS with dreams in his eyes and a passion to reform the society. Sixteen years later, N Jayaprakash Narayan quit the cosy job to launch a national movement for the democratic reforms called Lok
Satta.
In a small distance of 35-odd kms, Punjab's model of development falls flat amidst the rundown buildings and the bumpy Sri Hargobindpura road leading to Chowk Mehta. The city and its surrounding areas are yet to come alive to the sound and fury of the electoral battle between Congress candidate Capt Amarinder Singh and BJP's Arun Jaitley.
The Congress has decided to support the FDI in multi-brand retail "to transform the agrarian economy and ensure better returns for farmers" in a shift from its traditional "middle path" of striking a balance between the public and the private sector with an important role assigned to cooperatives and self-help groups in the agenda of the 2009 Lok Sabha elections.
The BJP has sobered, slightly, on the issue of "Ram Mandir" and "Ram Setu" this time. While the 2009 manifesto talked about the "overwhelming desire of people in India and abroad to have a grand temple at the birthplace of Sri Ram in Ayodhya", the party's 2014 manifesto reiterates "mildly" its stand to "explore all possibilities within the framework of the Constitution."
Maintaining its regional identity, the SAD has stuck to its guns on the issues of justice for 1984 riot victims, Chandigarh as Punjab capital, Riparian principal and filling of posts in Chandigarh with officers drawn from the Punjab and Haryana governments on the agreed 60:40 ratio.
Managing the Congress campaign in the state single-handedly, he is the man in demand and untiring. Having hit the road almost two months ago, the star campaigner of the ruling party, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, is addressing a minimum of eight election meetings in a day.
